Ruby-battered Eastern Visayas gets fresh aid from UNDP, Korea

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Typhoon Ruby-battered Eastern Visayas received fresh support for its recovery and resilience efforts through the United Nations Development Programme and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.

The two organizations, in a PNA report, recently inked a partnership that will “directly respond(s) to typhoon recovery priorities identified in the recently-completed Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery.”

Song Minhyeon, KOICA resident representative of its Philippines office, said: “KOICA, on behalf of the Korean government, is committed to supporting typhoon-affected areas in the Philippines and is carrying out few projects especially in the Visayas. We will continue to increas resilience, ensure a full recovery in this area for building back better.”

`KOICA’s contribution, worth US$3 million over a span of one and a half years, covers three towns ravaged by Ruby: Hernani and Guiuan in Eastern Samar and Basey in Samar.

From the fund, UNDP’s task is to “implement livelihood skills training, cash-for-livelihood, and waste management improvements” in the typhoon-affected communities.

“At UNDP, we know that challenges remain in helping people get back on their feet. ... We will continue to work with the Philippine government, the communities and our partners so that people can quickly regain their livelihoods,” said UNDP-Philippines country director Maurice Dewulf. — From the wires